Contraflow

[Riverdog]

Contraflow: What Is It?
Posted: Aug 28, 2008 06:42 PM
Updated: Aug 28, 2008 07:00 PM

Contraflow: What Is It? - By Evan Johnson

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - Contraflow...it's a term a lot don't quite understand, yet it's a word residents hear a lot...especially with the threat of Gustav.

In a nutshell, contraflow is when all lanes of highway traffic are heading in the same direction. There are a couple of contraflow routes for the Lake Area. I-210 Eastbound traffic will cross over to the westbound lanes of I-210 just south of US 90. The crossed-over traffic will then contraflow, or travel east on the westbound lanes, to US 165 North.

Traffic using the I-10 contraflow lanes will be diverted northbound onto US 165.

State Trooper Stephen LaFargue says, "Contraflow is designed for the roadway system to evacuate the motoring public out of the area in a timely manner."

Some motorists believe contraflow is for the best.

Larry Fontenot says, "I things are going to go smoothly if we are to going to evacuate."

Sullivan Turner says, "I think it's a very effective way to alleviate traffic because of the fact that so many people are going in so many different directions."

And if you plan on going in a different direction than what contraflow is going, keep in mind upon entering the contraflow area it may not be possible to change routes. If you don't wish to evacuate under the contraflow restrictions, state police say your best strategy is to leave early before contraflow is activated.

You can pick-up a "Together, We Prepare!" booklet with maps of contraflow and other helpful emergency information from the local Red Cross, or from the KPLC Studio.

Link: http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8917808&nav=menu66_2

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